Joe Thomas Compares Teammates to Middle School Kids
The Cleveland Browns season has come to an end but player exit interviews have been interesting. Veteran All Pro tackle Joe Thomas came through with a doozy, ripping teammates for being late and comparing them to Middle School kids:
#Browns LT Joe Thomas: You expect a middle school player to show up on time. Why can't you expect an NFL player to show up on time?
— Scott Petrak ct (@ScottPetrak) December 29, 2014
Tom Coughlin would have loved to coach Thomas I think.
As it is, Thomas’ quote shows how frustrated and fed up veteran leaders are with the young players on the team. Whether he was talking about Johnny Manziel, Josh Gordon, Justin Gilbert or other players we are not aware of, it is clear that Thomas expects Cleveland Browns players to act like professionals.
These issues could have a big impact on how the Browns do business this off-season. For veterans like Thomas, Donte Whitner and Karlos Dansby it is getting closer to the end of their career than the beginning. The team needs to bring in more veteran presence, hopefully with a few more years on the field, to help supplement what those three, and others have been providing.
It could also impact how the Browns use the wealth of draft picks they have. It would not shock anyone to see the Browns use picks to either trade for a veteran or to package picks to move up. Unlikely 10 drafted rookies make this team next year. Unlikely Ray Farmer or Mike Pettine want that much youth to an already young team. Trading up increases talent while decreasing number of rookies.
More from Dawg Pound Daily
- Cleveland Browns critics continue to misplace their judgement
- 3 Cleveland Browns players who don’t deserve another season in 2023
- How the Browns could maximize Nick Chubb in 2023
- Can Deshaun Watson get to Patrick Mahomes level for Cleveland Browns?
- 3 Cleveland Browns who should see an expanded role in 2023 and 1 who should not
It also could impact the type of player the Browns draft. Taking a risk on a prospect is always likely to happen but taking a risk on a prospect who has work ethic issues might be off the board for the Browns for the near future.
One of the refreshing things this season, including the just concluded Mike Pettine press conference, is the willingness for the players and coaches to be up front about what they are thinking. Pettine talked about not sweeping things under the rug.
Joe Thomas kept with that program in his comparison of teammates to middle school kids. And he was spot on.
What do you think of Joe Thomas calling out his teammates like this?
Stay Connect with Dawg Pound Daily
Next: Manziel Denies Party, Calls Self Jackass